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Im in the throes of trying to decide on my next car - currently I have a 2003 E46 M3 Convertible and am looking at either an RS4 cabriolet or an M5 (or maybe an M6 but thats another discussion!!).

Being totally independant I can see pros and cons for both cars but the one thing I cant really find information on is the running costs of an RS4 especially around servicing and cost of brakes. I do high miles (30-35k per year) so these things are something I want to take into account when considering each car. Also due to the mileage I do I will be buying used to try and lose as little as possible when it comes to resale etc.

Tyres will probably be a little less on the RS4 as I have 275/30/19 and 245/35/19 on my M3 so Im not hugely worried on that one. Likewise all my fuel is paid for by my employer so MPG isnt a concern so that leaves servicing and brakes as the two biggies!!

On an M3 there are three services - oil, inspection one and inspection two. Costs are around £450, £600 and £800 for each one - full set of disks and pads fitted is around £1500 (all these are approximate and are main dealer prices - can get exact prices from invoices etc but these are close enough).

I spoke to Audi and they told me the RS4 was £300 every 15k miles (with no major/minor services, all were the same) and have promised to get back to me on the brakes but havent as yet - can any owners shed some light on the costs?

Many thanks

Jason

I can tell you from an M6 perepective, having had one! 210miles to a tank and £90 to fill it is depressing!! especially when you're on first name terms with the petrol assistant at Tescos!! Phenomenal car though - assimilates everything in front of it!

I can only comment on the fuel on the M5, compared to the RS4.The amount of fuel the BMW V10 gets through is not funny.I used to think it cost me £30, every time i opened the drivers door on the M5, even to go to the shops.It really does get to you at times.But if you are not paying for the fuel, i suppose it doesnt matter.All the best with the decision, regards, SIMON.

No fuel to pay for - may as well have an m5 i guess! Whatever you put 35000 miles on a year will drop in value like a stone.

You would definetely need pads. If you drove very hard you would need rotors also. every 25000kms
Service's is nice and simply really.

Iain wrote:I can tell you from an M6 perepective, having had one! 210miles to a tank and £90 to fill it is depressing!! especially when you're on first name terms with the petrol assistant at Tescos!! Phenomenal car though - assimilates everything in front of it!

Iain - slightly deviating from the original post but how does it cost £90 to fill? I thought the M6 had a 70 litre tank which should cost around £70 to fill or am I missing something?

Quite surprisingly the overall consensus of opinion from the few replies I have had seems to be to go for M5/M6 over the RS4 especially as fuel costs arent an issue - my problem is I love convertibles (the M6 convertible is definately out of my price range) and, also, I am a little tired of driving a fast RWD car and what that entails for quite an average driver and I really like the the thought of the added grip, traction and "safety" of an AWD car which is what is making my decision so much harder